Shlomo Mansour, an 86-year-old Holocaust survivor held hostage by Hamas since October 2023, has died, according to Israeli officials. Mansour was kidnapped from his home in Israel and held captive as part of a massive Hamas attack that triggered the war in Gaza.
Mansour’s family has been notified of his death, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push for his return “until he is returned to his grave in Israel.” Netanyahu also pledged to continue pushing for the release of all hostages, both living and dead, held by Hamas.
The news comes as a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the 15-month war in Gaza is nearing its end. Under the agreement, Hamas agreed to release 33 hostages, but 17 remain un Released. Seventy-three are still being held, with Israel believing some may be dead.
Concerns have been raised about the physical condition of those still being held captive, including three recently released prisoners who appeared gaunt and weak. Hamas has announced it will stop releasing Israeli hostages until further notice due to alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed his military to prepare for readiness in Gaza to defend Israeli communities. US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas, stating that if all hostages are not released by Saturday, “all hell is going to break out.”
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/02/11/israel-shlomo-mansour-oldest-hostage-hamas-dead/78413780007